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Dynamic Digital Biomarkers of Motor and Cognitive Function in Parkinson's Disease
Published on: July 24, 2019
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Heart-brain synchronization breakdown in Parkinson's disease
Martin Iniguez1,2,3, Antonio Jimenez-Marin3,4, Asier Erramuzpe5
1School of Engineering, University Carlos III of Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
NPJ Parkinson'S Disease
|May 31, 2022
Summary
Heart rate variability (HRV) and brain activity synchronization is reduced in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. This heart-brain desynchronization worsens with increasing autonomic dysfunction severity in PD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiology
- Autonomic Nervous System Research
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) abnormalities are potential early Parkinson's disease (PD) biomarkers.
- The relationship between HRV and central autonomic network (CAN) activity in PD is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the synchronization between HRV and brain activity in PD patients.
- To assess the association between heart-brain synchronization and clinical dysautonomia severity in PD.
Main Methods:
- Resting-state functional MRI (BOLD signals) and finger plethysmography (HRV) were used in 31 PD patients and 21 controls.
- Autonomic function was assessed using SCOPA-AUT, blood pressure, and heart rate during autonomic challenges (deep breathing, Valsalva, head-up tilt).
- HRV-BOLD synchronization was evaluated using cross-correlations and Fisher's statistics.
Main Results:
- PD patients exhibited significantly lower HRV-BOLD synchronization in CAN and autonomic modulation networks compared to controls.
- Heart-brain synchronization index (HBSI) showed an inverse relationship with dysautonomia severity, being lowest in severe PD.
- HBSI in PD was associated with sympathetic (Valsalva) and cardiovagal (deep breathing) function, and autonomic symptom scores (SCOPA-AUT).
Conclusions:
- Findings support the existence of heart-brain desynchronization in Parkinson's disease.
- This desynchronization impacts clinically relevant autonomic outcomes and disease severity.
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